Free Eternal Youth by Julia Crane Page B

orange. “Looking forward to vacation?”
    Callie grimaced as she slid a giant jar of peanut butter into the cabinet. “Don’t get me started. I’d much rather stay here and hang out with Avery. I’m pissed I have to go.”
    “It’s too bad she couldn’t talk her mother into letting her go.” Braden picked at the orange, not meeting her eyes. “I’m going to sit this trip out.”
    Callie stopped in mid-reach, the loaf of bread forgotten on the tile counter as she whirled around. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “What do you mean you’re going to sit this one out ? You can not leave me with Mom. I need you!”
    Braden sighed. He sat the peeled orange on the table and swept all the tiny pieces of rind into a pile. “I’m sorry, Cal. I’d like to come with you—trust me, a real vacation sounds nice. But, I think I should stay here and spend some time with my dad.”
    Callie let her arms fall to her sides. She suddenly felt very selfish. “I’m sorry, Bray. I completely forgot about Uncle Bill and what you must be going through. How’s he doing? I’ve been so wrapped up in my own life that I haven’t even asked.”
    “He’s in good spirits, considering. He tries to hide the pain, but it’s pretty obvious. When you guys are gone, we’re going to spend a couple of weeks out on the lake.” He paused. “I know you need me, Calista, but I think he needs me more right now.”
    “I understand. It sucks, but I understand. You’re doing the right thing.” Callie smiled sadly.
    Shaking off his funk, Braden pulled off a slice of orange and popped it into his mouth before grinning. “What about you? Have you seen that boy again? What’s his name?”
    “Jonathan,” Callie said dreamily. She picked up the bread and hugged it to her chest. “Not yet. I think I’m going to stop by the pizza shop today and surprise him.”
    “Careful. You’re gonna crush the bread.” He laughed as Callie dropped it to the counter guiltily. “Why don’t we go there for lunch? I need to make sure he’s good enough for you.”
    Callie turned back to the groceries. “That’s a great idea. I can tell him you wanted to have pizza so it doesn’t look like I’m stalking him.”
    “One thing guys don’t like is clingy. I can tell you that from experience. Although, I don’t think it’s possible for a world traveler to be too clingy, so you should be safe.” Braden winked at her.
    “Ugh!” Callie groaned. She shoved the cheese and bologna in the fridge drawer and slammed the door. She turned to lean against the counter. “Maybe we shouldn’t go. I really don’t want to come off as desperate. He’s busy with school, sports, and work. He’ll call when he gets a chance.”
    “Oh, we’re going.” Braden popped the rest of his orange in his mouth and stood. He walked to the ceramic bowl on the counter near the back door and grabbed the car keys. “You can’t tease me with pizza and then take it away.”
    As they pulled into the parking lot of Luigi’s, Callie’s heart went crazy. “Braden, no. Turn around and let’s go back to Gran’s. I bet he hates me. I bet he’s not going to call anyway and I’m just going to look like an idiot…”
    “Shut up, Cal. This kid is probably half-in love with you.” Braden cut the engine and shook his head in amusement. “You have issues.”
    “Whatever.”
    The walk to the door seemed to take a lifetime. Callie smoothed her hair and shirt, and was stricken by the fact that she must have looked horrible. Her plaid purple button-down shirt was wrinkled and she’d worn her holey jeans. “I should have changed clothes.”
    “You look great.”
    “I look like a hobo,” Callie shot back.
    Braden stopped and stepped in front of her. He dropped a hand to each of her shoulders and shook her gently. “Calista. Quit freaking out.”
    She nodded and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “Yeah. Sorry.”
    They passed through the door, which was